-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- New Zealand may have retained rugby 's Sevens World Series in fine style , but Fiji 's Samisoni Viriviri claimed the honor of being named the competition 's leading player following the finale in England .

The flying winger was in imperious form throughout the season , as his searing pace and clinical finishing combined to produce 52 tries -- 19 more than his closest rival Tim Mikkelson .

New Zealander Mikkelson , who was player of the year in 2013 , had been one of four players in contention this time , along with South Africa captain Kyle Brown and England skipper Tom Mitchell .

`` I am very proud to win this award and be the first Fijian to be named Sevens Player of the Year , '' Viriviri told the HSBC Sevens World Series ' official website after Sunday 's awards ceremony .

`` He has been the most lethal finisher this season and his all round game has been outstanding , '' added Fiji coach Ben Ryan .

`` He 's scored some incredible tries and defended superbly well - I think I can remember one time in this whole season when somebody went round him . ''

Despite Viriviri 's individual brilliance , Fiji could only finish the season in third place , trailing second-placed South Africa and champions New Zealand .

Securing the title for the fourth year in succession , the All Blacks wrapped up their 12th win in 15 series during the group stages of the season-ending event in London .

They were defeated by host nation England in their final Pool A game at Twickenham but earlier victories over Argentina and Wales took the Kiwis to the knockout stages while simultaneously confirming them as champions .

Gordon Tietjens ' side thrashed South Africa in the quarterfinal , won a tight semifinal 12-10 against the Fijians before rallying from 21-0 down against Australia in the final to win 52-33 .

The dramatic turnaround ended Australia coach Michael O'Connor 's dream of finishing with a title in his last match in charge of a Series event .

`` I am going to miss the series . I 'll be back though but I probably wo n't have the seat I have at the moment , '' O'Connor said afterwards .

`` But I will miss the players , the teams we play against , the people , the staff at the International Rugby Board -- it is an amazing tournament and really a world class event . ''

Unlike his rivals for Player of the Year , Viriviri was also named in the Sevens Dream Team , which featured New Zealand duo D.J. Forbes and Scott Curry , Canada 's John Moonlight and Phil Mack , as well as Cameron Clark of Australia and South African Justin Geduld .

`` We have worked so hard as a team to get things right and it has paid off this year , '' Mack said on the World Series website .

`` To be recognized for it is great . It is a special feeling , and as a team we have made huge strides and we will share this with them .

'' ` Mooner ' brings everything , his leadership is awesome , and the team follow behind him . I am super happy . ''

Next season 's series starts in October , with Australia hosting the opening round , prior to its climax in London in May 2015 .

With rugby sevens making its Olympic debut in two years ' time , extra incentive will be added by the knowledge that the top four-ranked nations will qualify directly for the 2016 Games in Rio .

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Fiji 's Samisoni Viriviri named Player of the 2013-2014 Series

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New Zealand win fourth straight championship as season ends in London

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All Blacks have won 12 of 15 HSBC Sevens World Series